Cordova, TN Christian Brothers Automotive

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Tips & Advice

Can struts be replaced by shocks?

No, struts cannot be replaced by shocks. Though these parts both work to enhance a vehicle's ride quality, they are not interchangeable. Each wheel will have either a shock or strut, but never both. A vehicle might have struts on the front axle and shocks on the rear, so it's possible for a single vehicle to have both.

Do all cars have shocks and struts?

No, not all cars have shocks and struts. Some vehicles are equipped solely with struts, while others have just shocks. Shocks support the car's suspension, while struts are an integral part of a vehicle's suspension assembly. Both these parts work to improve the way a vehicle travels over bumps and rough road surfaces.

What are the signs that a car's shocks and struts need to be changed?

There are certain visual signs that indicate a car's shocks and struts need to be changed. If there are leaks from the struts and shocks, or if they look dented or damaged, repair is necessary. Diminished handling--if the car has a bumpy ride quality or stiff steering response--can also mean it's time to change the shocks and struts.

How long do shocks and struts usually last on a car?

Shocks and struts can last anywhere from 50,000-100,000 miles or more. If you have rough driving habits, this will significantly shorten the life of these parts. If the shocks or struts begin to leak or if they are broken or damaged, replace them immediately. Ideally, struts should be replaced in pairs.

When should shocks and struts be changed?

Shocks and struts should be changed if your car displays instability when braking or poor steering response, which could indicate a problem that calls for shock and strut replacement. Excessive vehicle bounce, uneven tire wear, and leaks from the shock or strut body are also signs that your shocks and struts might need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace shocks and struts?

The total cost of replacing shocks and struts can range from $500-$600 or more, including parts and labor. The parts can cost $200-$250, and labor can cost $300-$400. Before replacing struts and shocks, perform a full inspection of the vehicle's steering and suspension to see if the damaged struts and shocks have caused any other problems in the vehicle.

What are shocks and struts?

Shocks and struts are parts that influence a car's ride quality. Shocks prevent the car from bouncing on uneven road surfaces. They can also reduce the rate of roll, brake dive, and acceleration squat. Struts are dampers that are a key part of the car's suspension system. Like shocks, they work to improve ride quality, but they also provide structural support for the vehicle's suspension.

What are some car repair scams?

Among the common scams pulled are needless repairs, where a garage charges you for work that isn't necessary. Another popular one is attracting customers through a cheap oil change or tire pressure check. Then, when you your car is being repaired, they give you a long list of other corrections they'd like to make, therefore boosting the total cost of your bill. The best way to combat these types of problems is getting a written estimate before work is done so you can see how much repairs are expected to cost. If the final bill is higher than the estimate projected, ask to specifically see the work. Make sure information is put in writing as well. If a problem remains, you can have proof that work was not done to your satisfaction.

What should I do in the winter for my car?

For winter driving, features such as the defroster, heater and exhaust system are paramount. Look in your owner's manual for specific directions on how features should be checked and repaired. Many newer cars have a cabin air filter that can be replaced when needed, allowing warm air to continue to flow in. Also, check tires before winter driving, as they need to be at the proper pressure to perform well on snow and ice.

What should I do in the spring and summer for my car?

In the spring and summer, you want to be sure your air conditioner and cooling systems work correctly. Given the high temperatures, overheating is a common problem. Look over the system by ensuring there is enough coolant available. If it needs to be refilled, it is best to open the hood and add more to the car before it gets too warm out. Also, clean out fan ducts and other ventilation sources necessary for summertime driving.

Block Automotive has been servicing our acura and honda for many years. He has replaced brakes, timing belts, fluids etc. The best part about Mark is he will not do a repair if it's not needed. On multiple occasions I had him review my brakes because they had been squeaking for a period of time. Each time he explained that I did not need brakes. I thought I needed new shocks and left my car overnight. He told me the tires needed to be replaced. I began taking our cars to Mark based upon a neighbor's recommendation. I had gone to a different mechanic for brakes. He insisted that I needed pads and rotors. I didn't need rotors and I never went back to that mechanic. Mark's team is very good. The service is excellent. He has inspected our cars on multiple occasions and never charged us for the time the employees or him looked at it to make minor adjustments. I highly recommend Block Auto.

It took almost 5 months to complete a job that I was told was going to take 3 weeks. When I retrieved the car the rod that holds up the hood was missing. They lost the air conditioning line sometime in the almost 5 months that they had the car and said that it wasn't there originally. I refused the car untill it was fixed. They finished the car 3 weeks later and charged me an additional 200 dollars that was not on the original estimate. They never took ownership of misplacing the air conditioning line and basically called me a liar. I will never do business with these people again. I paid $7000 dollars to be called a liar. If I was paying so much why would I lie about a part that they paid no more than $40 dollars from a salvage line.

My car was making a strange noise, so I brought it to Cordova Automotive to be diagnosed. The man brought my car into the shop and looked at it for maybe 15 minutes. He brought it back around and told me the alternator needed to be replaced. So, the next day, I bought a $200 alternator and replaced it myself. I start the car and the same sound is still there. Took it to a different mechanic to be diagnosed and he said it was the ac clutch and bearing. I asked if he was sure and he says Yes, it's an obvious problem. So, replaced the clutch and bearing($115) myself and my car runs great with NO noise. Cordova Automotive turned my $115 fix into $315. Don't take your car here unless you just want to waste money! I'll never return.

I was recommended here and they were very reasonable with their prices. They tell you straight up what's wrong with your car. And if you want they will even show you what work they are going to be doing on your car as well. I highly recommend them.ask for sam he's very helpful and reliable. Awesome place to go.

This past summer when the AC went out on my 2006 Saturn, I found that Block Automotive quoted the best price for repairs so took my car to them for the first time. They did a good job for a good price and I was happy with their work. A few months later, on a trip to Nashville, same car had what appeared to be significant engine trouble 150 miles from home. I made it to Nashville, but had no idea who to take the car to before attempting the trip back to Memphis. I could only think to call Mark at Block Automotive and ask his advice. After having only been a one time customer, Mark did not hesitate to go out of his way to figure out what the problem might be, find a mechanic in Nashville, call them to discuss the problem and call me back with their information. The mechanic in Nashville fixed the problem with the car, so Block Automotive got nothing for their time. But they earned my gratitude and loyalty. That's just good honest customer service!

Mark, Rich, and all the guys in the shop do an amazing job with most any vehicle you bring in. They give you fair quotes and they stick to them. They always call before they do work. I recently brought a 2001 BMW and was quoted by a "specialist" for over $2000 for some work that need to be done. Mark and the guys were able to perform the work for less then half of that. There was a factory recall that Mark advised me to let the "specialist" do the work. The "specialist" said that the minimum work had been done to the car and totally disregarded the work Block had done. They now wanted over $3000 for random things that had popped up! I called Mark to double check what they had said because Mark has always be honest with me. They stand behind their work- he asked me to bring the car back to him to follow up on what the "specialist" says might be wrong; Block Automative was correct in the work that they had already done. Over the years I have recommend family, friends, and coworks to have work done by Block Automative!

I have had my 1998 Honda Civic serviced by Mark Block for the past 10 years, since 2003. His shop does great work at a fair price and he stands behind it. One of my friends now has him servicing all the cars (three or four) in her family, and he keeps them running. I have had two Memphis Honda dealerships lie to me about unnecessary work and will never take my Honda to a Honda dealership in Memphis again. The first time I allowed Mark to work on my car, he charged $600, whereas the dealer where I had purchased it and had serviced it up until then, wanted to charge over $1000. As much as I'd like to leave Memphis, it means I would have to find a new mechanic, and a mechanic and business owner like Mark is worth his weight in gold.

I went here after much searching online through reviews, etc. I was looking for an HONEST mechanic that offered a fair price and I found both at Block auto. My Service Engine light had come on and so I took my car in. Mark advised of what was causing the problem, and in his opinion I should just leave it alone instead of spending $1200 to fix. It was something minor and non essential. Will def be bringing my car back out next time i need something.DG

As far as owning a Volvo, I'm let's just say less-than-convinced they have fixed their reliability issues. As far as service, quality of work, and even price, these guys really took care of us. We had a complicated tragedy with our 2007 S40 due to premature AC belt tensioner failing and resulting in a complete rebuild of the engine. Their team was able to diagnose the issue, produce an accurate estimate, and have the work done in a total of three days. Not only did they beat other estimates, they use Volvo parts, and guarantee their work for two years. They know how to speak Volvo and properly put back together these temperamental machines.

Not recommend Block Automotive. I tolled them "steering wheel is automatically turned to the right and the car goes one side when I was driving. I'd like to do alignment". I left my car at shop at 8:30 am, but never receive the call for pick up (even the car has bee down) until I called few times at 5:30 pm. Then the car still goes to right side. Nothing changed-Same as before. But they said that is normal. If it is normal why do you need to do alignment? If it is not normal how did you do your job? I think they did not have testing drive before and after alignment. Ying

Did You Know?

Finding An Auto Repair Professional

There are more than 700,000 auto service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. Finding the right one to repair a dent in your car door or fix an engine that won't start can be overwhelming, especially when it's an emergency. Review a few important facts about auto repair professionals and what you can do to get the best possible mechanic working on your vehicle's issues for a fair price.

Looking For Reliability
Unlike home repair services that evaluate a property, meet with homeowners and have time to prepare before their physical work begins, auto repair businesses are often asked to make fixes on the spot. If you come into a garage with a tire issue, the expectation is the mechanic will know how to correct that problem quickly.

That is why reliability is so vital when searching for a trusted auto repair shop. It may take going to several different mechanics before you find one you are truly comfortable with. Pose questions to this professional to find out what approach they will take to repair your car or what alternatives are available. Shopping around also gives you the best opportunity to find the cheapest rate or the fastest service, as some garages may be backed up with other vehicles that need repair first.

A recommended way to locate a trustworthy auto repair professional is to seek out customer reviews. Online sites offer honest opinions from real customers who have used a business. Read through this feedback to learn how a business operates and what you can expect if you were to take your vehicle there. Look for reviews about how quick maintenance was completed and if prices were fair. By learning what other people have said about a garage, you can gain a better idea if it's the right place to go when you have a car problem in need of fixing.

Understanding When There's An Issue

It can be difficult to know which automotive problems are serious enough to require expert assistance. A ripped seat cushion or broken radio don't involve safety and will not warrant enough of a problem that going into a garage is required. However, setbacks with brakes, lights and other parts that are vital to the safety of your car's driver and passengers, as well as others on the road, necessitate quick fixes. Many modern automobiles will notify drivers of an issue, in the form of a signal on the dashboard or a noise within the vehicle.

In the event of an accident, even if your vehicle does not appear to have any damage on the outside, it is generally recommended that you see a trusted auto repair professional. Internal damage may have occurred, or an important part may have been knocked out of place. Fixing these issues before driving much further can prevent further vehicle breakdowns in the future. In the case of a serious accident, a body shop can assess the problems and determine the best course of action for repairs, as well as evaluate how much they will cost.

Beyond that, regular checkups are recommended. Tires must be rotated, fluids needs to be replaced and the engine must be evaluated. After driving 25,000 miles, most auto dealers suggest having the vehicle checked out to ensure everything is running smoothly. Taking the car into the auto repair professional you trust will protect you from further problems down the road.

Doing Your Own Auto Repair

Not every type of auto repair work needs to be done by a certified mechanic. You can fix some of a vehicle's issues just by paying attention to how the automobile is running and having a basic understanding of auto repair. Look over the ways weather may impact your car and what preventative measures you can take to avoid having to take it into the shop. At the same time, be aware of mechanic scams that can impact your experience.

Preventing Trips To The Professional
Some fixes to your car can be done without paying a specialist. Issues like replacing oil and air filters are relatively simple, with instructions provided in the owner's manual on how to make these changes. The same goes for replacing broken windshield wipers or burnt-out headlights. Such issues should be repaired quickly to guarantee safety, but don't require a visit to a garage. By handling these types of tasks on your own, you'll gain a better understanding for how your car operates and save time and money.

Along with understanding how to fix manageable vehicle issues that may arise, taking preventative measures to avoid future problems is a valuable time saver. Many problem-solving best practices are related to the seasons. Your vehicle will be in different conditions in the winter than in the summer, meaning it requires a different type of preparation.

In the spring and summer, you want to be sure your air conditioner and cooling systems work correctly. Given the high temperatures the vehicle will be exposed to, overheating is a common problem. Look over the system by ensuring there is enough coolant available. If it needs to be refilled, it is best to open the hood and add more to the car before it gets too warm out. Also, clean out fan ducts and other ventilation sources necessary for summertime driving.

For winter driving, features such as the defroster, heater and exhaust system are paramount. Look in your owner's manual for specific directions on how features should be checked and repaired. Many newer cars have a cabin air filter that can be replaced when needed, allowing warm air to continue to flow in. Also, check your tires before winter driving, as they need to be at the proper pressure to perform well on snow and ice.

Avoiding Scams
There is a common worry among many people that auto repair professionals take advantage of the general public. Because so many people are unaware of how to fix the problems in their vehicle, they are nervous of being overcharged by mechanics or worried that the improper work is being done.

While the great majority of professionals in the industry are honest, hard-working people, a few bad apples can ruin everything. You should be extra careful when first visiting a mechanic to guarantee that the price you're charged and maintenance the vehicle receives are fair.

Among the common scams pulled are needless repairs, where a garage charges you for work that isn't necessary. Another popular one is attracting customers through a cheap oil change or tire pressure check. Then, when you are in the shop and your car is being repaired, they give you a long list of other corrections they'd like to make, therefore boosting the total cost of your bill.

The best way to combat these types of problems is getting a written estimate before work is done. That way, you can see how much repairs are expected to cost. If the final bill is higher than the estimate projected, ask to specifically see the work. Make sure information is put in writing as well. If a problem remains, you can have proof that work was not done to your satisfaction.

By working closely with an auto repair professional and doing some of the tune-up work on your own, you will be less likely to fall for these scams. At the same time, you'll be able to drive out with a clean and healthy vehicle, thanks to the repairs made by a trained professional.